Personal hygiene device

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for storing and carrying personal item. In one embodiment, the storage container is nested within a pair of opposing hooks in a stowed position. In a deployed position, the container can be rotated relative to each of the hooks. Further, one of the hooks can be moved to a deployed position such that the apparatus can be hung from the deployed hook, and further such that an object such as a coat or a purse can be suspended from the second hook.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/408.582, filed Nov. 3, 2010, titledPERSONAL HYGIENE DEVICE, incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present invention pertain to apparatus for safestorage and transportation of personal hygiene devices, and inparticular to such devices adapted and configured to hang from a door.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention pertain to an apparatus for storingobjects. Some embodiments include a container having an interior andfirst and second ends and an opening providing access to the interior.Other embodiments include a support member rotatably coupled to thecontainer, the member having two ends, one of the ends being generallyin the shape of a first hook. Yet other embodiments include a secondhook having an opened end, the second hook being coupled to the supportmember proximate the other end of the support member and movable betweenstowed and deployed positions relative to the support member, wherein inthe stowed position the opened end of said second hook can receivetherein an end of the container, and in the deployed position the secondhook and the first hook have the general shape of an “S”.

Another aspect of the present invention pertains to a container havingan interior and first and second ends, an opening providing access tothe interior, and a cap covering the opening. Other embodiments includefirst and second hooks each having an opened end and each hook extendingfrom the container, the first hook being positionable to support thecontainer, the second hook being positionable to support an object fromthe container; wherein the container is rotatable relative to the firstand second hooks.

It will be appreciated that the various apparatus and methods describedin this summary section, as well as elsewhere in this application, canbe expressed as a large number of different combinations andsubcombinations. All such useful, novel, and inventive combinations andsubcombinations are contemplated herein, it being recognized that theexplicit expression of each of these combinations is unnecessary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some of the figures shown herein may include dimensions. Further, someof the figures shown herein may have been created from scaled drawingsor from photographs that are scalable. It is understood that suchdimensions, or the relative scaling within a figure, are by way ofexample, and not to be construed as limiting.

FIG. 1 a is a front plan view of a personal hygiene device according toone embodiment of the present invention shown in the closed position.

FIG. 1 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 1 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 a.

FIG. 2 a is a front plan view of a personal hygiene device according toone embodiment of the present invention shown in the opened position.

FIG. 2 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 2 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3 a is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 3 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 3 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 3 d is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 3 e is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 d.

FIG. 3 f is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 3 d.

FIG. 4 a is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 4 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 4 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 a.

FIG. 5 a is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 5 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 5 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 5 a.

FIG. 6 a is a front elevational view of a part of the assembly of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 6 b is a right side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 6 c is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 6 a.

FIG. 7 a is a top, front, right, perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 1 a.

FIG. 7 b is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 7 a, except rotated to apartially opened position.

FIG. 7 c shows the apparatus of FIG. 7 a in the fully opened position.

FIG. 8 a is a top, front, right, perspective view of an apparatusaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 b is a top, rear, right, perspective view of the apparatus ofFIG. 8 a.

FIG. 9 a is a perspective view of an apparatus according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 b is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 9 a.

FIG. 10 a is a close-up of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 8 b.

FIG. 10 b is a close-up view of the portion of FIG. 10 a from adifferent angle.

FIG. 11 a is a close-up of the top of FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 11 b is a portion of the assembly of FIG. 11 a.

FIG. 11 c is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 11 b as taken from therear.

FIG. 11 d is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 11 a as taken from therear.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated inthe drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates. At least one embodiment of the present inventionwill be described and shown, and this application may show and/ordescribe other embodiments of the present invention. It is understoodthat any reference to “the invention” is a reference to an embodiment ofa family of inventions, with no single embodiment including anapparatus, process, or composition that should be included in allembodiments, unless otherwise stated. Further, although there may bediscussion with regards to “advantages” provided by some embodiments ofthe present invention, it is understood that yet other embodiments maynot include those same advantages, or may include yet differentadvantages. Any advantages described herein are not to be construed aslimiting to any of the claims.

The use of an N-series prefix for an element number (NXX.XX) refers toan element that is the same as the non-prefixed element (XX.XX), exceptas shown and described thereafter The usage of words indicatingpreference, such as “preferably,” refers to features and aspects thatare present in at least one embodiment, but which are optional for someembodiments. As an example, an element 1020.1 would be the same aselement 20.1, except for those different features of element 1020.1shown and described. Further, common elements and common features ofrelated elements are drawn in the same manner in different figures,and/or use the same symbology in different figures. As such, it is notnecessary to describe the features of 1020.1 and 20.1 that are the same,since these common features are apparent to a person of ordinary skillin the related field of technology. This description convention alsoapplies to the use of prime (′), double prime (″), and triple prime (′″)suffixed element numbers. Therefore, it is not necessary to describe thefeatures of 20.1, 20.1′, 20.1″, and 20.1′″ that are the same, sincethese common features are apparent to persons of ordinary skill in therelated field of technology.

Although various specific quantities (spatial dimensions, temperatures,pressures, times, force, resistance, current, voltage, concentrations,wavelengths, frequencies, heat transfer coefficients, dimensionlessparameters, etc.) may be stated herein, such specific quantities arepresented as examples only, and further, unless otherwise noted, areapproximate values, and should be considered as if the word “about”prefaced each quantity. Further, with discussion pertaining to aspecific composition of matter, that description is by example only, anddoes not limit the applicability of other species of that composition,nor does it limit the applicability of other compositions unrelated tothe cited composition.

Each of the drawings shown herein are presented substantially as scaleddrawings. However, the scalings indicated on some drawings (such asscale of 3:4 on FIG. 2 a) are not accurate. Further, FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4,and 5 are shown in a standard orthogonal format. Additionally, morenumbers and arrows on some drawings, such as FIG. 2 b and FIGS. 3, 4, 5,and 6 represent dimensions (in centimeters) for a particular embodiment.It will be appreciated that some drawings are shown in a wire frameformat, whereas other drawings (such as FIG. 7) are shown with shadedexternal surfaces.

FIG. 1 show three orthogonal views of a portable personal hygiene device20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Device 20includes a rotatable assembly 22 that is pivotally coupled to a hangingassembly 24. In one embodiment, the external dimensions of assemblies 22and 24 are adapted and configured to provide a compact overall envelope,as best seen in FIG. 1 c. FIG. 1 show device 20 in the closed position,which is suitable for carrying.

FIG. 2 show the device of FIG. 1 in the opened position. Device 20′includes a sliding hook 40′ that translates along a guide 36 a ofhanging assembly 24′. Hanging assembly 24′ supports rotatable assembly22′ such that a relative rotational displacement of about ninety degreescan be established between static assembly 24′ and rotating assembly 22′in an anti-clockwise direction (with reference to FIG. 2 a). As bestseen in FIG. 2 b, the extended position of hook 40′ is to the rear ofdevice 20′. A second, static hook 32 extends forward on assembly 24′, ina direction opposite to that established by hook 40′. In someembodiments, sliding hook 40′ is adapted and configured to supportdevice 20′ from a doorway (such as the doorway to a stall or partitionof a stall in a public restroom). Static hood 32 is oriented in theupward direction in order to accommodate a coat, handbag, briefcase orother clothing of the restroom user. As best seen in FIG. 2 b, whensliding hook 40 is extended to a deployed position the hooks 40 and 32resemble an “S” shape.

Although what's been shown and described is a hook 40 that is movablerelative to spine 30 such that it slides relative to spine 30, yet otherembodiments are not so constrained. In one embodiment, hook 40 isrotatably movable relative to spine 40. In such embodiments, hook 40 isrotatably coupled to spine 30, and with reference to FIG. 2 b, could berotated one hundred and eighty degrees about a centerline extendingalong spine 30. In such embodiments, the opened end of the hook 40 caninclude a projecting shoulder, similar to the shoulder of hook 32.

FIGS. 3 a, 3 b, and 3 c show a component of device 20 in threeorthogonal views. Main spine 30 includes an elongated central memberthat interconnects a static hook 32 at one end, and a T-shape guide 36 aat the other end. As best seen in FIG. 3 a, guide 36 a includes a pairof laterally and oppositely extending flanges that are connected by acentral neck 38. Referring to FIG. 3 b, it can be seen that the flanges36 a extend along a depth relative to the central joining member. Thestatic hook 32 at the bottom of spine 30 extends forward in a manner anddepth similar to that of guide 36. Hook 32 preferably includes avertically upward-extending nose around which a clothing loop orclothing cuff can be hung. About midway along the central joining memberand intermediate of guide 36 and hook 32 is a semi-spherical indentation34 used for joining spine 30 to rotatable assembly 22.

FIGS. 3 d, 3 e, and 3 f are orthogonal views of a hook 40 that receiveswithin a slot 46 the T-shape guide 36 of spine 30. Referring to FIG. 3d, slot 46 can be seen having an upper, horizontal slot that accepts thelateral flanges 36 a of spine 30. A central portion of slot 46 isadapted and configured to receive neck 38. Preferably, hook 40 includesa pair of stabilizing shoulders 48. Shoulders 48 are received aroundneck 38 in the closed position. When hook 40 is slid to the openposition, shoulders 48 comprise a downward projection as part of a hookstructure in conjunction with the central member of spine 30 (as seenpreviously in FIG. 2 b).

FIG. 4 show orthogonal views of a generally cylindrical body 50according to one embodiment of the present invention. Body 50 includesan integrally molded and semi-spherical ball 54 that is locatedintermediate of the ends (as best seen in FIG. 4 b), and which isreceived in the assembled device 20 by the socket 34 of spine 30. Afastener (not shown) completes attachment of ball 54 to socket 34.

Referring to FIGS. 4 a and 4 c, cylinder 50 defines an internal volume53 that is adapted and configured to receive within it an item ofpersonal hygiene, such as a roll of toilet paper 10. Cylinder 50 furtherdefines a slot 56 through which the item received within interior 53 canbe externally accessed by the user.

FIG. 5 show three orthogonal views of a clip-on compartment 60.Compartment 60 includes a pair of cylindrical segments 63 that areinterconnected by a cylindrical storage compartment 62. As best seen inFIG. 5 b, the clips 63 are adapted and configured (preferably by acombination of wall thickness, material stiffness, and cutout angle) tobe expanded to receive within them an end of cylinder 50. Compartment 62defines an internal volume for storage of another item of personalhygiene, such as a toothbrush or a tampon.

FIG. 6 show orthogonal views of an end cap 70 according to oneembodiment of the present invention. End cap 70 includes an axle 76coupled to an endplate 72. A knurled finger grip 74 extends around theperiphery of endplate 72. Further, as best seen in FIG. 6 b, endplate 72can also include an angular segment of reduced thickness, which isuseful either for applying a moment to end cap 70, or to visibly showthe angular orientation of endcap 70. In some embodiments, axle 76 isadapted and configured to be received within the hollow support tube ofa roll of toilet paper. In one embodiment, device 20 includes a pair ofendcaps 70 that are received within different ends of cylinder 50 (asseen in FIGS. 1 b and 2 a). In some embodiments, endplates 72 includelatching features for coupling the endplate to the ends of outercylinder 50. In yet other embodiments the internal end of axle 76 isadapted and configured to interlock with the other axle inserted withinthe cylinder 50. End caps 70 preferably defines an internal cavity 78suitable for storage of personal hygiene items, such as wet wipes ortoilet seat covers by way of example.

FIG. 7 show device 20 being reconfigured from the closed configuration(FIG. 7 a) to the open configuration (FIG. 7 c). Referring to FIG. 7 b,it can be seen that the periphery of the end caps 70 come closest tospine 30 in a partially opened state. The length and diameter ofcylinder 50 and the distance between the upper surface of hook 32 andthe lower surface of guide 36 are adapted and configured to provideclearance between rotating assembly 22 and static assembly 24 in theposition depicted in FIG. 7 b.

FIG. 8 show a personal hygiene device 120 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. Device 120 operates and isconstructed in a manner similar to that of device 20, except as will nowbe shown and described. FIG. 8 a shows the rotating assembly 122 in theclosed and fully nested position within hanging assembly 124. Portablypersonal hygiene device 120 includes a pair of storage compartments 162that are coupled to clip assembly 160. Referring to FIG. 8 b, it can beseen that a knob 158 provides a connection between spine 130 androtatable assembly 122.

FIG. 9 show perspective views of a cylinder 150 according to anotherembodiment of the present invention. Cylinder 150 includes an integralend cap 151 a. And integrally molded axle 151 b extends inwardly withinvolume 153. Therefore, device 120 includes only a single, separate endcap 170. In some embodiments, the separate end cap 170 includes aninternal cavity 178 for storage of personal hygiene devices. In yetother embodiments, and as best seen in FIG. 9 b, integral end cap 150 aincludes an internal cavity 178 for storage of personal hygiene items.

FIG. 9 b shows the integrally molded knob 158 that is part of cylinder150. Knob 158 includes a central, cylindrical portion, and two outwardlyextending projections 158 a and 158 b.

FIG. 10 depict the attachment of cylinder 150 to spine 130. Spine 130includes a cutout slot 139 in place of the socket 34 of spine 30. Thiscutout 139 includes a generally spherical central portion 139 b with apair of elongate slots 139 a on opposite sides of the central hole. Inorder to assemble cylinder 150 to spine 130, knob 158 is aligned withslot 139, and pushed through the central wall of spine 130 until theprojections 158 b extend past the back surface of the central wall.Cylinder 160 is then rotated about the axis created by placement ofcylinder 158 b within central aperture 139 b. Cylinder 160 is rotateduntil a projection 158 a encounters a flexible projecting latch 137 a.Since latch 137 a is flexible, the operator can continue rotatingcylinder 160 until the projection 158 a snaps across latch 137 a fromone side to the other side.

In this position, cylinder 160 is able to rotate 90 degrees relative tospine 130. Limits on this relative rotation are established by latch 137a and stop 137 b. As shown in FIG. 10 a, cylinder 160 is in the closedposition. As seen in FIG. 10 b, the projection 139 a is in contact withstop 137 b, and the cylinder 160 is in the opened position. In order toremove cylinder 160 from spine 130, the cylinder is returned to theclosed position, and the operator bends latch 137 a so that it does notinterfere with rotation of projection 158 a back toward slot 139.

FIG. 11 depict the coupling of sliding latch 140 to spine 130. FIG. 11 ashows hook 140 in the closed, fully-nested position on spine 130. FIG.11 b shows hook 140 removed from spine 130. A fastener 125 extendswithin a hole 141.

FIG. 11 c shows spine 130 without sliding hook 140. Spine 130 defines afemale guide slot 136 b. Referring to FIG. 11 d, the fastener 125attaches to hook 140 a pin 142 that is adapted and configured to bereceived within slot 136 b. Pin 142 is attached to hook 140 afterplacement of the hook on spine 130, in one embodiment. As can beappreciated from FIG. 11 d, hook 140 can be slid backwards (i.e., towardthe viewer out of the plane of FIG. 11 d), and the sliding motion ofhook 140 will be stopped by contact of pin 142 with an end of slot 136b.

While the inventions have been illustrated and described in detail inthe drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly certain embodiments have been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected.

1. An apparatus for storing objects, comprising: a container having aninterior and first and second ends, an opening providing access to theinterior, and a repeatedly releasable cap covering the opening; asupport member rotatably coupled to said container, said member havingtwo ends, one of the ends being generally in the shape of a first hook;and a second hook having an opened end, said second hook being coupledto said support member proximate the other end of said support memberand movable between first and second positions relative to said supportmember, wherein in the first position the opened end of said second hookcan receive therein an end of said container, and in the second positionsaid second hook and said first hook have the general shape of an “S”;wherein one of said first hook or said second hook is adapted andconfigured to vertically support said container such that said containerand the other of said first hook or said second hook are located belowthe one hook.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said first hook isfixed in position relative to said support member.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein said second hook is rotatable relative to said supportmember.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second hook is slidablerelative to said support member.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thesecond hook is adapted and configured to vertically support saidcontainer.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said container isgenerally cylindrical, the opening is a first opening at an end of saidcylinder, and said container includes a second lengthwise opening.
 7. Anapparatus for storing objects, comprising: a container having aninterior and first and second ends, an opening providing access to theinterior, and a repeatedly releasable cap covering the opening; andfirst and second hooks each having an opened end and each said hookextending from said container, said first hook being positionable tosupport said container from a first object, said second hook beingpositionable to support a second object from said container; whereinsaid container is rotatable relative to said first and second hooks, andeach of said first and second hooks are positionable such that each endof said container fits within the opened end of a different respectivehook.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the first object is a door,and said first hook is adapted and configured to fit over the top of thedoor.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said container has a shapeestablished by a generally rigid material.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7wherein said first hook is positionable such that the opened end of saidfirst hook receives therein the first end of said container, and saidsecond hook is positionable such that the opened end of said second hookreceives therein the second end of said container.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 10 wherein said container is generally cylindrical.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11 wherein the end of each said hook is adapted andconfigured to receive therein a different end of the cylindricalcontainer.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the opening is at oneend of said cylindrical container, and the cap is generally circular.14. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first hook, said second hook,and said container each extend from a support member.
 15. The apparatusof claim 14 wherein said first hook is slidable to the support positionrelative to said support member.